Council opening hours throughout Christmas
Some Westmorland and Furness Council offices will be closed over the Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays. Read the full list of Council opening hours during the festive period.
2025 Summer Reading Challenge: Story Garden
Our summer reading challenges encourage children aged four to eleven to enjoy the benefits of reading for pleasure. Find out how to take part in this year's challenge as a reader, or volunteer to help.
The challenge is to borrow and read six books and come into the library to tell us what you have read.
You can read whatever you like over the summer holidays to receive incentives, a certificate and a medal once you have completed the challenge.
How to take part in the challenge
Signing up to the challenge is free, you just need to be a library member, which is also free. Just visit your local library once the challenge starts on 5 July and sign up to receive your free Story Garden folder.
If you can't visit a library, you can join the summer reading challenge online.
The challenge begins on 5 July 2025 and ends in the middle of September.
What books you can read
You can read:
- fiction
- fact books
- poetry
- joke books
- picture books
- graphic novels
You can also use audiobooks and eBooks to complete the challenge. You can access these for free by using Borrowbox.
More about the challenge and extra activities
Find out more about the challenge and how to access extra activities, such as games and quizzes.
We'll also post activities in the library and online on our Facebook page for Westmorland and Furness Libraries.
Summer Reading Challenge Young Volunteers 2025
We're recruiting now for young volunteers aged 14 to 24 years to become reading champions. Reading champions encourage young people aged 4 to 11 years to keep reading over the summer holidays.
Read the role description for Summer Reading Challenge Young Volunteers (PDF , 94KB)
You'll talk to children about the books they've read and help staff with activities both online and in the library. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to be part of a team, build confidence and develop creative skills.
We'll provide training before the challenge starts and keep a record of all the hours you complete. If you’re working towards a Duke of Edinburgh award or similar, your logged hours can contribute towards it.
How to apply to be a Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer
Print and and complete an application form (DOC , 209KB)
Alternatively, you can ask us to send you a volunteer pack by contacting us.
Once you have completed your application form, please hand it in to your local library.
The deadline to apply is Friday 27 June 2025.
Road to Reading challenge
We'll also run a 'Road to Reading' challenge for older children and families to take part in this year.
We'll publish details about Road to Reading nearer the time.